Removable Backer Holster

ABSTRACT

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an implement holster (such as a handgun holster, for example) having one or more removable backer layers. The backer layer(s) are arranged to be removably mounted to the holster (or to a backer of the holster), and are removable to allow the backer layers to be cleaned, for example, or for one or more alternate backer layers to be used with the holster instead.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/423,692, filed Nov. 17, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Implements, such as tools, weapons, and the like, may be temporarily encased in a carrier (such as a holster, for instance) for protection of the implement and/or the user, while providing access to the implement. For example, a carrier may allow a user to conveniently carry the implement, safely retaining the implement until needed. When the implement is to be used, the user may withdraw the implement from the carrier, and then return it to the carrier when finished.

In the case of a handgun, the holster should reasonably protect the handgun and the user, and should be convenient to the user for ready use. Accordingly, the holster should retain the handgun until it is to be used, but allow the user to draw the handgun for use without undue effort or difficulty. The holster should be rigid and stable enough to allow the handgun to be repeatedly drawn and re-holstered, usually with the same hand. However, the holster should also be flexible enough to be comfortably carried by the user, such as when it is worn on the person of the user for an extended length of time.

It can be challenging to balance each of these characteristics. Further, when the holster is intended to be concealed, some of the desired characteristics (e.g., protection, convenience, retention, access, stability, comfort, etc.) may be sacrificed to provide the concealment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components. Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices and/or systems may include additional components, or various combinations of the described components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure, unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example removable backer holster, according to an implementation.

FIG. 2 includes two perspective views of the example removable backer holster of FIG. 1, where at least one layer of the backer is partially removed for illustration.

FIG. 3 includes a perspective view of an example removable backer holster, according to another implementation, where at least one layer of the backer is partially removed for illustration.

FIG. 4 includes a flow diagram of a method of forming a removable backer holster, according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an implement holster (such as a handgun holster, for example) having one or more removable backer layers. The backer layer(s) are arranged to be removably mounted to the holster (or to a backer of the holster), and are removable to allow the backer layers to be cleaned, for example, or for one or more alternate backer layers to be used with the holster instead. Various techniques may be used to temporarily attach the removable backer layer to the holster or backer, so that the removable backer is easily removed when desired, but firmly retains its position on the holster or backer when in use.

Typical holsters and holster backers are often made from animal hides or man-made materials such as formed polymers. In some cases, a porous material may be used to line the holster or backer where the holster or backer contacts the body of the user (particularly in the case of inside-the-waistband (IWB) and similar concealed holsters) for comfort, performance, and so forth. Although the holsters and backers may become soiled (e.g., with dirt, perspiration, etc.) from continuous wear, these holster and backer materials are generally not amenable to cleaning, aside from perhaps some surface cleaning. Consequently, the holster and backer materials can accumulate significant contaminants over time.

In an implementation, a removable backer layer can be comprised of a porous comfort material, and can be worn next to the body of the user while attached to the holster or backer. Being removable and constructed of a washable material, the removable backer layer can be removed from the holster periodically, and washed using conventional cleaning methods (e.g., a washing machine, washing by hand, etc.). After cleaning and drying, the removable backer layer may be reattached to the holster for use.

In another implementation, it may be desirable to exchange one or more layers of a holster backer to accommodate a different holster use. For instance, alternate backer layers may be comprised of differing materials, may have different thicknesses, different wear characteristics, or the like. For example, this allows the user to select the type of material(s) the user wants on the backer (e.g., the type of material the user wants to wear against the skin, in the case of an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster), depending on the season, comfort level, backer thickness, clothing worn, and so forth. A removable backer or backer layer allows a user to fully customize the user's holster for performance and comfort.

Techniques and devices are discussed herein with reference to example firearm holsters illustrated in the figures. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and is for ease of discussion and illustrative convenience. The techniques and devices discussed may be applied to any of various cases, case designs, combinations, and the like, (e.g., enclosures, sheaths, covers, cases, carriers, etc.) for encasing tools, weapons, or other implements and accessories, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. For the purposes of this disclosure, the use of the terms “carrier” or “holster” are interchangeable, and both terms apply equally to these various other covers, cases, enclosures, etc. Further, the shape of the holsters and holster backers illustrated may vary to accommodate the various implements to be carried, as well as to accommodate various applications.

Implementations are explained in more detail below using a plurality of examples. Although various implementations and examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.

Example Embodiments

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example removable backer holster 100, according to an implementation. In various embodiments, one or more removable backer layer(s) 102 are removeably coupled to one or more base backer layer(s) 104. In various implementations, at least one base backer layer 104 is comprised of a durable rigid or mostly-rigid material, such as natural or synthetic leather, or a formed polymer, for example. In an embodiment, one or more layers of the base backer layer 104 are comprised of a metal, an alloy, a composite, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the base backer layer(s) 104 are also removable from the holster 100, and may be exchanged for alternate base backer layer(s) 104. In some embodiments, the base backer layer(s) 104 and the removable backer layer(s) 102 are the same layer(s).

As shown in FIG. 1, the holster 100 may also include a cover portion 106 (or pocket portion), and may include one or more clips 108 (or the like) to attach the holster 100 to a belt (not shown) or other item of clothing, or the like. The cover portion 106 (or pocket portion) forms an enclosure for the implement, often along with the base backer layer(s) 104. For example, in an implementation, the base backer layer(s) 104 are coupled to the cover portion 106 and together they are arranged to encase at least a portion of the implement.

Additionally, the holster 100 may include various attachment points (not shown), allowing the clips 108 (or other supports) to be attached to the holster 100 in a variety of configurations. In an embodiment, the removable backer layer(s) 102 may also include the attachment points (e.g., the attachment points may include openings through the base backer layer(s) 104 and through the removable backer layer(s) 102).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in various implementations, any number of user-removable backer layers 102 (also shown as layers 202 and 204, for example) may be removably attached to a base backer layer 104, as desired. For example, one or more removable layers 102 may be used to provide padding, and may be disposed between other removable layers 102 for comfort, durability, or the like. One or more removable layers 102 can be removed or exchanged when the user changes the way the holster 100 is carried, when the user desires a different comfort or utility level, and so forth. In one embodiment, one or more of the removable backer layers 102 may be removed from the holster 100 and washed (in a washing machine, for example).

In an embodiment, one or more of the removable backer layers 102 are comprised of a different material (or of different materials) than the base backer layer 104. Removable backer layers 102 may be comprised of neoprene, natural, synthetic, or blended textiles or hides, 3-D spacer fabric, foam materials, ballistic textiles, solid elastomers or thermoplastics, metals, composites, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, one or more of the removable backer layers 102 can be removed from the holster 100 or from the holster base backer 104 as desired (and depending on the attachment techniques used between the removable backer layers 102 and/or the removable backer layers 102 and the base backer 104.

The removable backer layers 102 may be coupled to the base backer layer 104, or to other removable backer layers 102 (shown as layers 202 and 204, for example) using a variety of attachment techniques and devices. For example, referring to FIG. 2, hook material may be attached to one of the layers 102 or 104 (or 202 or 204, for example) and loop material may be attached to another layer 104 or 102 (or 204 or 202, for example). The two layers 102 and 104 (or 202 and 204) are then pressed together firmly. In this arrangement, the layer 102 (or 202) will adhere to the layer 104 (or 204) until removed intentionally by the user. In various embodiments, an attachment layer, material, device, fastener, or the like, may be attached to one or both of the layers 102 and 104 (or 202 and 204) either partially, around a perimeter of the layer 102 or 104 (or 202 or 204), fully covering the layer 102 or 104 (or 202 or 204), etc., as desired for firmly holding the layers 102 and 104 (or 202 and 204) to each other and for convenience of user removability.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one example embodiment, a removable backer layer 102 (including a layer 202 or 204) or a base backer layer 104 (or multiple layers) may include a gasket component 302 attached around a perimeter of the layer (102, 104). The gasket component 302 may be disposed fully around the perimeter of the layer (102, 104) or the gasket component 302 may be arranged to include only various portions of the perimeter, for example. In various embodiments, the gasket component 302 is comprised of a fastener material, or includes one or more attachment devices. For instance, the gasket component 302 may be arranged to adhere to a material or to attachment devices on an adjacent layer (102, 104). In another embodiment, the gasket component 302 folds over an edge of one or more adjacent layers (102, 104) to hold the layers (102, 104) together.

Various materials, devices, and techniques may be used to removeably attach removable layers 102 (including layers 202 and 204) to a base layer 104 or to other removable layers 102. Some examples of attachment devices or fasteners include: hook and loop materials, adhesive materials, stud fasteners, snaps (made from plastic, metal, etc.), magnets, ratchet straps, rivet fasteners (made from plastic, metal, etc.), and metal or plastic hook and eye type fasteners. Other embodiments may include other example attachment devices or fasteners. Some embodiments may include more than one attachment device or fastener type on a single layer or on multiple layers.

Alternately, a number of clips (not shown) may be employed similarly. The clips may be dispersed around a perimeter of the layers (102 and/or 104), and slid or clipped onto the adjacent layers (102, 104) to hold the layers (102, 104) together. The clips may be attached to one of the layers (102, 104) or they may be separate components.

In alternate implementations, an example removable backer holster 100 may include fewer or more components, or may include alternate components to those shown, and remain within the scope of this disclosure. The illustrations of FIGS. 1-3 are not intended to be limiting. While an inside the waistband (IWB) type holster 100 is illustrated, various other types of implement holsters, cases, carriers, and the like are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, the design of the holster 100 as well as the design of the various attachment devices may vary. Other attachment devices and techniques are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Further, the components and/or techniques may be arranged and/or combined in various combinations, while resulting in similar or approximately identical results. It is to be understood that a removable backer holster 100 may be implemented as a stand-alone device or as part of another system (e.g., integrated with other components to form a holster system). A removable backer 102 may be a pre-combined component of a removable backer holster 100, or the removable backer 102 may be added to an existing holster as an accessory, add-on, retrofit, or an upgrade component.

Representative Process

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 400 for forming a removable backer holster (such as holster 100, for example) having a removable backer (such as removable layer 102, 202, and 204, for example), according to various implementations. The process 400 is described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

The order in which the process is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described process blocks can be combined in any order to implement the process, or alternate processes. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the process without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the process can be implemented in any suitable materials, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

At block 402, the process includes removably attaching a first user-removable layer (such as removable layer 102, for example) to a second base layer (such as base layer 104, for example) to form a holster backer. In an implementation, the first user-removable layer comprises a first material and the second layer comprises a second, different material. For example, the first material may comprise a comfortable cloth layer to be worn against the body of the user, where the second material may comprise durable natural or synthetic leather, or a formed polymer for rigidity, longevity, and performance of the holster.

In an implementation, the process includes attaching one or more additional layers (such as removable layers 202 and 204, for example) between the first user-removable layer and the second layer to form a multi-layered holster backer. The additional layers may be comprised of one or more similar materials, or different materials, as desired for utility and comfort. In an embodiment, one or more additional layers may be comprised of a metal, an alloy, a composite, or the like. In an embodiment, one or more of the additional layers is also user-removable.

At block 404, the process includes coupling the second base layer of the holster backer to a cover component (such as cover 106, for example) to form the implement holster. In an embodiment, the second base layer is removably coupled to the cover component, to allow for interchangeable backers or covers for the holster, for example.

In an implementation, the process includes removing, washing, and replacing the first user-removable layer between uses. In the implementation, the first user-removable layer comprises a hand washable material or a machine washable material. For instance, the material may be immerse-able in water and soap solution, or the like.

In another implementation, the process includes removing and replacing the first user-removable layer with a different interchangeable user-removable layer. This allows the user to select one or more different layers to be attached to the holster, for comfort, performance, or the like, depending on the user's preference and the application. For instance, in various embodiments, the different interchangeable user-removable layer may be comprised of a similar material to a material of the first user-removable layer or a different type of material from the material of the first user-removable layer.

In various embodiments, the process includes retaining the first user-removable layer in place on the second base layer when the holster is in use with an attachment material or with one or more removable fasteners. For example, the attachment material or removable fasteners may be fixed to one or both of the base layer and the user-removable layer (or to multiple user-removable layers) by sewing, adhesive, rivets, staples, or other techniques. In various embodiments, the attachment material may include hook and loop material, adhesive materials, or the like. Removable fasteners may include hook and loop devices, stud fasteners, snaps (made from plastic, metal, etc.), magnets, ratchet straps, rivet fasteners (made from plastic, metal, etc.), metal or plastic hook and eye type fasteners, or various other removable fasteners.

In alternate implementations, other techniques may be included in the process in various combinations, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

CONCLUSION

Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the disclosed techniques, systems, and devices. Further, individual features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A holster for an implement, comprising: a cover portion arranged to encase at least a portion of the implement; a base backer layer coupled to the cover portion to encase at least the portion of the implement, the base backer layer comprised of a first material; and an interchangeable removable backer layer removeably coupled to the base backer layer, the removable backer layer comprised of a second material.
 2. The holster of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional backer layers coupled between the base backer layer and the removable backer layer.
 3. The holster of claim 2, wherein one or more of the additional backer layers are adapted to removably couple adjacent layers.
 4. The holster of claim 2, wherein one or more of the additional backer layers are user-removable layers, removably coupled to adjacent layers.
 5. The holster of claim 1, further comprising one or more attachment materials or devices coupled to the removable backer layer, the base backer layer, or the removable backer layer and the base backer layer and adapted to removably attach the removable backer layer to the base backer layer.
 6. The holster of claim 5, wherein the one or more attachment materials or devices include one or more of: hook and loop materials, adhesive materials, stud fasteners, snaps, magnets, ratchet straps, rivet fasteners, and hook and eye type fasteners.
 7. The holster of claim 1, further comprising a gasket component attached partially or fully around a perimeter of the removable backer layer, the base backer layer, or the removable backer layer and the base backer layer and adapted to removably attach the removable backer layer to the base backer layer.
 8. The holster of claim 1, wherein the removable backer layer is field removable by a user, and field replaceable with the removable backer layer or an alternate removable backer layer by the user.
 9. The holster of claim 1, wherein the removable backer layer is comprised of a hand washable material or a machine washable material.
 10. The holster of claim 1, wherein the base backer layer comprises an animal hide or a formed polymer and the removable backer layer comprises a neoprene material, 3D spacer fabric, foam, or ballistic nylon.
 11. The holster of claim 1, wherein the base backer layer is removably coupled to the cover portion.
 12. A holster for an implement, comprising: a cover portion arranged to encase at least a portion of the implement; a base backer comprising one or more base backer layers coupled to the cover portion and adapted to encase at least the portion of the implement between the cover portion and the base backer; and one or more removable backer layers removeably coupled to the base backer and configured to be removed and replaced by a user, wherein one or more of the removable backer layers is comprised of a washable material.
 13. A method of forming a holster for an implement, comprising: removably attaching a first user-removable layer to a second base layer to form a holster backer; and coupling the second base layer of the holster backer to a cover component to form the implement holster.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing, washing, and replacing the first user-removable layer between uses.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing and replacing the first user-removable layer with a different interchangeable user-removable layer, wherein the different interchangeable user-removable layer is comprised of a similar material to a material of the first user-removable layer or a different type of material from the material of the first user-removable layer.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising retaining the first user-removable layer in place on the second base layer when the holster is in use with an attachment material or with one or more removable fasteners.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching one or more additional layers between the first user-removable layer and the second layer to form a multi-layered holster backer.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein one or more of the additional layers is user-removable.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the first user-removable layer comprises a first material and the second layer comprises a second, different material.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the first user-removable layer comprises a hand washable material or a machine washable material. 